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Catherine "Kay" Rose (Ryan) Ahern, 83, of East Haven died peacefully at home after a short illness on Oct. 7. She was born Nov. 27, 1933, in New Haven to Michael and Bridget (Regan) Ryan.

Kay is survived by her daughter Carolyn (Chick Ierardi) Ahern; her sons Edward, Steven, and Joseph (Geri Yeske) Ahern; her "adopted" son Karl Sagal; her grandchildren Drew and Kaili; her sister Rita Ryan; her brother-in-law Thomas Ahern; sister-in-law Kathleen Ahern; numerous beloved nieces, nephews, great- and great-great- nieces and nephews; cousins; and friends all over the world. Kay was predeceased by her parents, husband Edward Ahern (2000), her sisters Mary Hanley and Frances Welch, and her great-niece Meaghan Welch.

Kay graduated from St. Raphael School of Nursing in 1954. She was a registered nurse for more than 30 years, and served as the director of nursing for Soundview, Jewish Home for the Aged, and Talmadge Park. Her mission in life was to help others. Kay's faith was strong and never waivered. Kay was kind, generous, and spent her life giving to others. Kay loved to laugh, spend time with family and friends, go to lunch with her "boys," visit in the afternoon with her "buddy" Tommy, go on outings with her friends, entertain, travel, and garden. Kay made holidays magical; her annual Kaystock was legendary. She spoiled all her cats, taught us all you are never too old for toys, and loved reading, wind-up toys, music, English mysteries, football, Irish pubs, bold lipstick, the funnies, flowers, bunnies, butterflies, and snowmen. Kay ensured that her squirrels were the best fed squirrels in the universe. Kay's physical presence will be missed more than words can ever express; however her spirit will always be with and provide strength to those who knew and loved her.

The family received friends on Oct. 11 at the Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home (Clancy Funeral Home), 43 Kirkham Ave., East Haven. The funeral procession left Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home on Oct. 12 for a Mass of Christian burial in St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, Taylor Avenue, East Haven, followed by Committal at All Saints Cemetery in North Haven. Donations in Kay's honor can be made to the Edward C. Ahern Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 3215, Stony Creek, CT 06405. For an online obituary, visit www.Clancy-PalumboFuneralHome.com.